Vertical)Access)LLC

April)2015

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Flight Operations Manual:

Vertical Access UAS Operations
Vertical)Access)LLC

April)2015

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Contents

I. Overview

II. Training Manual and Logs

III. Operations Manual

IV. Maintenance

V. Appendices
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April)2015

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I. Overview

Vertical Access LLC intends to operate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to aid and 

enhance its inspection services of buildings, chimneys, bridges, dams, and other 

infrastructure. UAS operations will involve a minimum of two (2) qualified persons: a 

pilot in command (PIC) and visual observer (VO). Vertical Access has developed this 

Flight Manual to ensure the safety of its UAS operations and the safety of the general 

public. 

II. Training Manual and Logs

Vertical Access will follow a training regimen to ready its employees for potential UAS 

operations. Vertical Access will designate a PIC that is a Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA) licensed airman with at least a private pilot certificate and a third

class medical certificate.

Prior to any official UAS operations, the PIC will have logged 25 hours of UAS flight 

training. This training will include 250 flight cycles and 10 of the 25 hours will involve 

the particular UAS to be used in Vertical Access’ UAS operations. All pilot training will 

be documented in Vertical Access’ flight logs. 

To ensure development of safe practices, the VO will assist the PIC during the 25 hours 

of training. This will allow the VO to further their knowledge of safe flight practices and 

familiarize them with UAS flight operations. 

During training, the PIC and VO will follow the UAS manufacturer’s training guides 

provided with the aircraft. The PIC and VO will maintain pilot, aircraft, and 

maintenance logs during training. All training manuals, logs, and certifications will be 

present during UAS operations and made readily available upon request. Please refer to 

the Appendices section for pilot, aircraft, and maintenance logs, as well as 

manufacturer’s training manuals. 

In addition to initial training, the PIC and VO will be subject to test, or currency flights, 

in between and leading up to official operations to ensure skills and safety. Currency 

flights will occur on a monthly basis, as needed, and require one (1) hour of flight time 

and 10 take-offs and landings. 
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III. Operations Manual

All Vertical Access UAS operations are subject to an FAA Exemption under Section 333 

of the FAA Modernization and reform Act of 2012 (the Reform Act).

FAA Exemption No. __________________________

 With a FAA granted exemption, Vertical Access will obtain an Air Traffic 

Organization (ATO) issued Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) for 

each UAS operation. In accordance with the COA, Vertical Access will request a 

Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) not more than 72 hours in advance, but no less than 

48 hours prior to the operation. 

 All UAS operations will involve a minimum of two (2) Vertical Access 

personnel, consisting of the PIC and VO. 

 Flights will only occur in favorable weather conditions during daylight hours. 

Weather will be assessed by PIC, and flights will be postponed or immediately 

suspended due to weather. Weather affecting operations include, but are not 

limited to, precipitation, wind above 15 knots, limited visibility due to fog or 

clouds, and lightning. 

 All UAS flights will remain in visual line of sight (VLOS).

 When flights occur within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point, Vertical 

Access will obtain a letter of agreement with the airport’s management and 

conduct operations in accordance with a NOTAM, as required by the obtained 

COA. 

 UAS flights will be terminated at 30 minutes or when battery power is reduced to 

25%, whichever comes first.

 The UAS will be programmed to not fly above 400 ft above ground level (AGL).

 When necessary, the UAS may also be programmed to not fly outside of a 

designated, sterile area.

 PIC will be an FAA licensed airman with at least a private pilot license and a 

third-class medical certificate.

 The UAS will weigh less than 3 pounds including payload.

 The UAS will not operate at speeds over 27 knots.

 The UAS has the capability to hover in place, and move in the horizontal and 

vertical planes simultaneously.

 The PIC will routinely reference the Vertical Access UAS Flight Checklist and 

the Vertical Access Flight Operations Manual during operations to ensure the 

maintenance and airworthiness of the aircraft, and to ensure general safety during 

flight operations. 

 Vertical Access will follow the UAS manufacturer’s maintenance, overhaul, 

replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements. Please see Section IV. 

Maintenance. 
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IV. Maintenance

Vertical Access will institute and follow a maintenance program to ensure the 

airworthiness of its aircrafts. Vertical Access will use the UAS manufacturer’s 

recommendation and requirements whenever applicable. The Vertical Access 

maintenance program and maintenance logs will work in unison with the pre-flight 

checklist and flight logs to track the use and care of the aircraft. 

Vertical Access will use staff members with experience in the maintenance of unmanned 

aircraft systems to oversee the overall UAS maintenance program. Staff members have 

several years of experience building, maintaining, programming, and repairing an array 

of UAS frames, electronics, and programs. 

V. Appendices

Please find the attached, supporting documents:

Vertical Access Supporting Documents:

 Vertical Access UAS Flight Checklist

 Unmanned Aircraft System: Site Specific Safety Plan

 Vertical Access UAS Pilot Log

 Vertical Access UAS Aircraft Log

 Vertical Access UAS Maintenance Log

DJI Supporting Documents:

 DJI Phantom 2 User Manual v1.4

 DJI Phantom Advanced Manual v1.4

 DJI Phantom Pilot Training Guide